~4 MIN
1. Introduction to Trade Factions
Last Epoch is much more than a hack-and-slash ARPG. It is also about strategic decisions that shape your journey and endgame progression. One of the most crucial choices is selecting your Trade Faction. Whether you thrive on trading or enjoy the thrill of farming your own loot, understanding these factions is key to optimizing your gameplay. This guide covers everything about the Merchant’s Guild and Circle of Fortune, helping you make the best choice for your build and style.
In Last Epoch, you shape your loot experience by aligning with one of two factions:
| Faction | Focus | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Merchant’s Guild | Trading & Economy | Player-to-player trade via Bazaar, buy/sell flexibility |
| Circle of Fortune | Self-found & Discovery | Increased loot quantity, Prophecies for targeted farming |
Each faction has distinct mechanics that fit different player preferences. Choosing the right faction is also a smart way to plan ahead for content like Timelines, Dungeons, or Arena pushes. Not sure which faction supports your goals? Onlyfarms.gg offers tailored Build Consulting and Powerleveling Services to help you make the right decision faster.
1.1 How to Join a Faction
Factions become available when you reach Maj’Elka’s Upper District. Here, an NPC named Zerrick will introduce you to:
- The Bazaar (Merchant’s Guild Hub)
- The Observatory (Circle of Fortune Hub)
You may join one faction per character. While switching factions is possible, ranking up again takes considerable time. Planning ahead saves resources, and using Onlyfarms.gg Powerleveling and Build Services can fast-track your faction progression.
1.1.1 Rank, Favor, and Reputation
| Term | Description |
| Ranks | Unlock faction perks and rewards. (12 total ranks) |
| Reputation | Gained via experience, quests, and faction activities. Unlocks ranks. |
| Favor | Faction currency. Needed for Bazaar trades or Prophecies. |
How to Gain Reputation:
- Merchant’s Guild: Earned through trading and listing items in the Bazaar.
- Circle of Fortune: Earned by fulfilling Prophecies and farming gear.
How to Spend Favor:
- Merchant’s Guild: List or purchase items on the Bazaar.
- Circle of Fortune: Buy Prophecies and lenses to enhance loot farming.
Note: Switching factions locks your faction-bound gear until ranks are regained.
2. The Merchant's Guild
The Merchant’s Guild is ideal for players who value economic play and prefer reliable access to specific gear. Joining grants access to the Bazaar, where player-to-player trading flourishes.
2.1 Tradable Items
| Item Category | Tradable |
| Helmets, Amulets, Weapons, Off-Hands, Rings, Belts, Gloves, Body Armor, Boots, Relics, Idols | ✅ |
2.2 Benefits
- Access to a diverse pool of items from other players.
- Ability to profit by selling unwanted or rare gear.
- Easier build optimization through targeted purchases.
2.3 Drawbacks
- Less satisfaction from finding loot yourself.
- Items bought through Bazaar require Merchant’s Guild ranks to equip.
- Purchased items become account-bound after trading.
For efficient trading and flipping, Onlyfarms.gg offers Gold Farming and Build Services to help you maintain liquidity and prepare top-tier builds fast.
3. The Circle of Fortune
The Circle of Fortune is the dream faction for self-found enthusiasts. It emphasizes increased loot drops and customization via Prophecies.
3.1 Prophecies and the Observatory
| Feature | Description |
| Prophecies | Special objectives that improve drop chances for rare and powerful loot. |
| Lenses | Modify Prophecies to suit your needs, increasing farming efficiency. |
3.2 Benefits
- Thrilling self-found playstyle and discovery.
- Passive bonuses and tailored loot targeting.
- Increased quantity and quality of item drops.
3.3 Drawbacks
- Limited trading options.
- Heavy reliance on RNG and Prophecies.
- Items bound to faction rank progression.
For players chasing rare loot and ambitious endgame goals like Dungeons, Arena, or Timelines, Onlyfarms.gg offers Build Optimization Services to maximize efficiency and minimize bad luck.
3.4 Recommended Playstyle
The Circle of Fortune shines for:
- Solo players
- Build crafters
- RNG enthusiasts seeking legendary loot on their own terms
4. Summary: Which Faction Should You Choose?
| Faction | Best For | Key Benefits | Main Drawbacks |
| Merchant’s Guild | Traders, Optimizers, Group Play | Reliable access to gear via Bazaar | Reduced loot excitement, account-bound trade items |
| Circle of Fortune | Self-found Fans, Solo Players | Increased loot and Prophecy customization | Limited trading, reliant on RNG |
Ultimately, choosing between the Merchant’s Guild and the Circle of Fortune depends on your gameplay philosophy. Do you prefer efficiency and player-driven economies, or the joy and unpredictability of farming your own gear?
Regardless of your choice, Onlyfarms.gg is here to support your journey with:
- Powerleveling to unlock faction mechanics quickly.
- Gold Farming to make Bazaar trading easy.
- Build Services for seamless progression through Arena, Timelines, and Dungeons.
With the right approach—and a little help from experts—you can make the most of Last Epoch’s faction system and create your dream character faster and easier.